I'm trying to fix this leaky outdoor faucet that came with a house I just moved into. It's a Woodford Freezeless Wall Faucet, Model 14:
http://www.woodfordmfg.com/woodford/Wall_Faucet_Pages/Model-14.html
It seems to be in decent shape. If there is no hose connected, the water turns on and off as expected and there are no signs of leaks. When I attach a hose, the faucet leaks.
Water flows through the hose as it should, but there is also a decent amount of water spraying out around the handle of the faucet. It seems to be spraying out around the gap between part 6 and 2 in the exploded parts drawing towards the bottom of the product link above.
Does anyone know what would be causing this? I was about to take it apart to try and see what the issue was. I removed the handle, but found it extremely difficult to loosen part number 3. I figured I would ask some experts here first.
Best Answer
The problem is most likely occurring with the pressurized water getting past the packing washer(4). Hook up a hose with a nozzle that is shut off. Turn on the faucet then try tightening the packing nut (3) until it stops leaking. It will be pretty tight, but if it is too tight, then you may need take it apart and replace the parts that are available in the repair kit. If it needs replacing it is because the EPDM (rubber) Packing piece broke.
Leaking past the packing nut is common and the reason why the nut is on there. When the nut is tightened, the packing nut is "squished" against all the interior surfaces, making a water tight seal that still allows the handle to be turned.